So what does the average bank customer have to do ahead of the euro changeover if his finances are not to descend into chaos?

Very little is the honest answer, as the bank will take care of most of the work for you. All accounts - be they current, savings or loan - will be converted to euros from January 1st, 2002. Customers will be issued with statements detailing the conversion, and all subsequent withdrawals and lodgements will be processed in euros.

Those with cards, whether ATM, credit, laser or cheque guarantee cards, need not worry that they will become invalid.

The underlying accounts will be converted to euros and the cards will continue to function as normal, although any limits on them will now be set at the equivalent euro level.

Irish pound cheque books will become obsolete. From the New Year, all cheques must be written in euros.

The banks will begin issuing euro cheque books to personal customers from November, although they are available on request from a number of banks already.Unused Irish pound cheques may be returned to your bank and you will be refunded the stamp duty on them.

There are a number of small steps consumers can take to ensure a smooth changeover.

Banks are asking customers to lodge, spend or donate to charity hoarded coins ahead of the changeover. They are also encouraging people to cash all Irish pound cheques before the end of December.

Finally, as January 1st approaches, all Irish notes and coins that are excess to daily requirements should be lodged to your account.